Beside Myself.

For those friends and loyal readers out there, you know that birthday's are serious business to me. 
It took me many, many years to decide why it is that I love them to the extent that I do. Because contrary to popular belief, it's not because of the attention people give me. In fact it's not even my birthday that I particularly love. It's anyones. 


I think there is something really cool about the fact that cultures celebrate the day you came into this world. I mean think about it. Your mother birthed you and people give YOU gifts, make YOU a cake, sing a special song to you even!


And then there is that unspoken rule that people have to be nice to you on your birthday. Regardless of how much you suck, everyone is nice to you on your birthday. 


Anyhow, my birthday comes at an odd time either during or right before finals. Everyone, including myself, are usually too stressed out to do much--which honest to blog (sorry I had to) is fine with me... (Like I said the attention is not the attraction for me)


Which is why I was so excited when my 2 roommates from last year, Kat and Kacey, texted me telling me they wanted to take me to dinner to have a pre-celebration! We've done a roomie dinner a couple of times where we dine and wine/movie at someone's house but this time they wouldn't tell me where we were eating...


Well as soon as they told me it was a surprise location I knew we were going to ZaZu's because I die for their pulled-pork nacho's! 


En route to dinner Kacey had to stop at home to grab some antibiotics because she had been sick all week. We get to her apartment, she unlocks and opens the door, flips on the light and 

SURPRISE!!! 

Friends, food, drinks and balloons (which later ended up outside) FILLED Kacey's apartment!!! I absolutely hate surprises because well, I don't like to be surprised...but this was amazing. 

It turns out that Kacey had created a facebook group over Thanksgiving break and invited all of my friends! As if her snacks weren't enough, she made spaghetti and salad and garlic bread!! 


Fun fact: I usually request some type of Italian food for my birthday when my mom makes dinner. Kacey had no idea but it made me feel like my family was there too :) 


And then I was surprised a 2nd time with a homemade birthday cake AND a personalized cookie-cake!   

I was absolutely beside myself. It was one of the only times in my life that I have been truly speechless and I have never felt so loved and blessed. I even teared up on the phone with my mom when I told her about it the next day! 


That right there, the feeling that Kacey and the rest of my friends gave me by simply showing up and doing something nice just for me, is exactly why I love birthday's. 


The night was fabulous...and it was a great reminder of how lucky I am to live the life I lead. 


For now that's the LoDown...but stay tuned for updates on the real big 2-1!


-Lo

P.S. I love you, Kacey! You're the best!

Rewind.

Let me take you back to Thanksgiving...


Coming home and seeing your family for the first time since August is really an indescribable feeling. I have never not wanted to go anywhere more in my life than I did once I got home for the break. The week went by too fast (don't they all?) but it was filled with AMAZING food (my mom cooked this year) and lots of laughter.


My grandparents (the ones who feed the chipmunk) came in for the holiday. I haven't seen them since last spring and it's always a treat to get to visit with them. They have been married for a little over 50 years and I can only hope and pray that I have a marriage as fitting, loving and caring as theirs. They truly are perfect for each other.


I left Dallas the day after Thanksgiving to venture back to Auburn for the Iron Bowl game. I hate leaving Dallas any earlier than I have to. But as I explained to my dad, if I graduated from Auburn never having gone to what is accurately described as the greatest rivalry in football (not just college, but all of football) I would feel like I wasn't a true Auburn fan.


We lost the game, surprise surprise...not. But the experience was worth leaving early for.


However, isn't it ironic that everyone left a holiday all about giving thanks and being grateful for one another, to attend a game filled with hatred and pure loath for the other team? Just something to think about.


I would say it's silly how crazy the fans get, but I must admit I am one of them from time to time. It's in my blood now. Nothing good comes from the other team... I'll be real mature here and say: sorry I'm not sorry...


I couldn't have been more thankful for my friends this semester. I have never been busier and at times I have never been so stressed, but my friends were always there to remind me that I'm doing what I love, so I need to love what I'm doing.


I am truly blessed to have such wonderful people in my life...but you'll see for yourself in my next post ;)


For now, that's the LoDown


Xx,
-Lo.

Acorns

Thanksgiving is coming up and if you're anything like me you always want to find some way to contribute to the cooking going on in the kitchen... Obviously without being held responsible if it turns out burned or tasting like cardboard...

Have I got the treat for you!

I'm going to show you how to make tasty treats that look like acorns. It sounds weird but it's the perfect snack for fall!

It's the easiest thing to make and it only requires 3 ingredients.  

1 bag of snack size Nutter Butter Bites
1 bag of Hersey Kisses
1 bag of Nestle chocolate chips (I used semi-sweet)

Poor a handful of chocolate chips into a pot on the stove and let it melt.
Keep the stove setting on low so the chocolate won't burn!

While the chocolate is melting, unwrap your hershey kisses, poor out some Nutter Butter's and chocolate chips. 

Now that you've prepared everything, you're going to use the melted chocolate as a sort of paste to stick everything together.

Take a Kiss and turn it on the flat (bottom) side, spread a little bit of melted chocolate on it. Then, take a Nutter Butter and stick it to the Kiss.
Lastly, take a chocolate chip, put melted chocolate on the underside, and stick it on top of the Nutter Butter!

Voila! Acorns

These are great by themselves but they would also look adorable on top of a pumpkin pie or cake!

I wish I could take credit for this but I saw a picture of them on Pinterest and I just had to make them myself!

But like I said, quick and easy and oh so delicious! Enjoy :)

-Lo.

Right Place. Right Time.

This past week was a bit of a jumble...

I started the week off by venturing online to search for internships. Job hunting never fails to leave me tight-chested and in a tizzy. 

I go through the same routine of "I'm never going to get a job. I'm living in the middle of nowhere Alabama and I'm going to have to live at home for forever and then Mike and Lisa are going to put me on the streets and I'll never get my Range Rover or French Bulldog's!"...all said in one breath...

Well, two days later I get a phone call from one of the company's I had contacted who was showing their recent collection at the Dallas Market. 

They called because one of their interns got the flu, the show was this weekend and an extra set of hands was needed. 

 I thought to myself that this was so typical. I would be in Auburn when a job in Dallas calls for me...

As I turned red in the face I had to politely inform the woman, calling me from New York, that I was in Auburn, Alabama and would be unable to attend... 

Frustrated, I called Lisa because lately I have been getting the feeling that I'm just in the wrong place at the wrong time. 

Have you ever felt like that? I'm a city girl to the core and I've got a bad case of cabin fever. I miss being in cities and seeing buildings and stores. When I'm in Dallas I get a sense of opportunity that lacks in a small town. 

[Side note: I haven't seen my family or been home since the first week of August when I left for Auburn. My feelings of being in the wrong place really stem from this because I'm so far away!]

Well...Sunday rolls around and I got a text from a good friend asking if I wanted to grab Fuji  (sushi) for dinner. I happily accept and I am so glad I did...

I walked into the restaurant and a dear, dear friend of mine was at the dinner table waiting to surprise me. I haven't seen her since June and she's moving overseas in January so you can imagine my excitement. 

Naturally when I saw her skinny-mini body in an outfit I would have re-pinned on pinterest trot across the restaurant, I started to cry. But she wasn't done with the surprising...she held up her left hand to show off the most beautiful engagement ring I've ever seen! Again, more tears and squeals. 

I have never felt so much that I was in the right place at the right time than I did in that moment. Had I flown home for the weekend to work the Dallas Market, I would have missed celebrating the most special occasion with one of my favorite people. 

She never fails to remind me that my life is on track and that I'm exactly where I need to be. 

Congratulations Tinks...I couldn't be happier for the two of you!

-Lo. 

Safe Haven.

We all have those days where you aren't feeling as fierce as usual. Maybe you woke up late or your go-to outfit is in the wash or you updated your iPhone to the new iOS5 and you no longer receive text messages from non iPhone users...!!! (or heaven forbid all of the above!!)

Regardless, it's rough not having your usual fab day.

I had one of those yesterday (hint: iPhone struggles) so I decided to make today a new day! I woke up early, cleaned my room, left halloween surprises for my roommates on their beds, gave myself a kardashian-worthy middle part, threw on a great outfit (leggings, blue v-neck, blazer and rider boots) and drove myself to my safe haven: Starbucks.

Starbucks, is my safe haven, as I'm sure it is for most people. No matter what city in America, it never fails to make me feel trendy and important... and let's be honest, everyone needs to feel trendy and important every once in a while day...

Ironically, Savannah, my beautiful partner in crime fashion, sent me some wise words that I've decided to share with all of you.

Her text message reads as follows:

"From one diva to another, whenever I'm having a rough day I do one of these things: put on a fab piece of jewelry that you save for special occasions and drive directly to Starbucks, put on a cocktail dress or gown, whichever you choose, and throw yourself dramatically across a sofa, or if all else fails, go get a mani/pedi and a cookie."

Words to live by. Trust.

-Lo

P.s: What do you do when you're feeling less than fab? Where do you go? I want to hear!

RTR.

I recently applied for an internship position with a FAB company called Rent the Runway. This website offers designer dresses and accessories, available to rent, for up to 90% off!

Not only do you get chic designer-wear for less, but the return shipping is free, they send you the proper packaging for returns and NO DRY CLEANING! Not even if you spill! When you rent the dress there is a $5 insurance charge you pay that covers you for any stains or snags!

Sounds too good to be true doesn't it? Well lucky for you, this time it's not.  Help me help you update your look by registering for the website under my name!

The company liked what they saw and have put me into the 2nd round of applicants. My challenge is to get 100 people to register and I am SO close to meeting this goal but I'm going to need your help!

If you copy and paste this URL link into your browser:

http://www.renttherunway.com/referral/haines.lauren

and answer a few quick questions, we'll both be on our way to a successful, fashionable future.

Happy shopping and thanks for your support :)

-Lo.

Fall into Preppy.

Everyone has that go-to outfit. You know, the one that when you put it on you feel invincible?

My friend Savannah tends to gravitate toward jeans, a button down, her Tory Burch leopard flats, and if the weather is cool, her Fendi scarf. My friend Erin has a great pair of green denim skinny jeans from Anthro that she pairs with cool sandals and a top (usually from Urban Outfitters)

I could go on and list what you could spot my friends wearing on any given sunday...which would probably be a comical post for my friends to read...

But the point is, when the season changes to that of your preference, your wardrobe is nothing less than fabulous. And rightfully so.

Fall is about to be in full swing so I decided to show you my go-to look for the season. It's so fab (if I do say so myself) yet so simple and easy!

There is nothing better than a great, classic, button down.
Warm enough for the crispness of fall but cool enough for "Texas Fall: upper 70's low 80's
I choose to go for the over-sized look so it's long enough to wear with leggings 

ESSENTIAL! black leggings get me through the fall and winter seasons!

Sometimes I'll skip the leggings and pair with jeans.
Gap jeans are my favorite.
Great price and they last FOREVER.
Perfect every day denim. 

I have fallen in LOVE with these Steve Madden Boots. I love them in both black and brown. Definitely a great switch-up from the classic rider boot. 

Steve Madden Miidori. $150

If you know me you know I'm always sporting a HUGE bag. But I found this gem and have fallen in love with the saddle bag. The across-the-body strap is perfect for a hassle-free evening.
Target: $20

Love, love LOVE aviators. I think it really completes the preppy look.
I'm cheap so I don't have the Ray Ban's but Urban Outfitters makes excellent knock-offs for $20 

I am obsessed with my Michael Kors watch. I have the Tortoise Shell on the left.
A great watch adds so much to any outfit.

The fall brings out the preppy girl in me, what can I say?

Happy fall :) 

-Lo. 

Self Observation.

Things I learned/re-learned/noticed about myself this past week: 

1. naps never make me feel better but I still take them in hopes they will

2. I love the (low fat as if that makes a difference) pop-tarts with the strawberry filling

3. I should never respond to a text or email when frustrated

4. Modern Family will ALWAYS make me laugh

5. gas is cheaper in the ghettos of Opelika.

6. Travel to get said gas with friends

7. Frogs make me jumpy

8. it's important to read all the directions to english paper assignments BEFORE the night before it's due...

9. Pinterest makes me want to starve myself and indulge in every item at the grocery store at the same time

10. Freshmen are clueless

11. When you tweet about things like french bulldogs, you shouldn't be surprised when veterinarians start following you on twitter

12. facebook makes me complain

13. The O.C is still addicting

14. I want to marry Seth Cohen

15. When changing the radio station if I land on a Mexican channel my stomach literally starts to growl for Mi Cocina

16. Across-the-shoulder bags are a girls best friend. 

17. I enjoy taking the transit to and from class

18. Always check your bank statement toward the end of the month

19. TJ Maxx makes me feel "thrifty"

20. I'm not actually Beyonce... (who knew?)

King of McQueen

What do Highland Park, USC and Alexander McQueen have to do with one another?

Conner Davis. 

Conner is cousin to Ashley Thompson, one of my best friends since...forever. 

I've known Conner since middle school, in fact we met on a mission trip with the church when I was in the 8th grade. 

He's all grown up now and attends USC where he is currently trying to break into the music business. 

I know what you're thinking. Who isn't trying to break into the music business these days? 

Well a big difference between those people and Conner has a lot to do with Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2011. Note: this is where Alexander McQueen fits into the puzzle. 

For the memorial show for the deceased designer, Conner (also known around LA as ConMan) received a phone call asking permission to use his single "Jekyll-Hyde"as the McQueen accompaniment. 

Without further adieu, I am pleased to present to you an amazing accomplishment from such a talented worker: 

Keep up your hard work Conner, best of luck to you :) 

-Lo. 

Redneck Ego.

There's something about dressing up in the exact opposite of what you've tried so hard to make your "style" be that is absolutely thrilling. Do you know what I mean? White people love dressing up like thugs, and Plano kids love dressing like "parkies"...heck, parkies love dressing up like parkies.

But my question for you is: does this mean this is what our true style is/should be? Or do we just love being what we're not?

This past Thursday my sorority had a date party themed Redneck Riviera. All the girls put on their cut-off jorts, cowboy boots and tacky t-shirts and picked up the boy of their fancy, dressed in similar attire (jorts included.)

Now, I don't know if this is my Texas roots coming out, or my desire to be Miranda Lambert or let's be honest a combination of the two, but I always have a BLAST when I dress like a redneck.

And it's not just me. EVERYONE goes all out for this theme. Now I'm not saying I'm going to go out and buy a bunch of jorts and Bud Light shirts with the sleeves ripped off, nor am I going to search for a tractor driving soul-mate...but it's just something to think about....

When we choose to dress up, is this who we would be if there were no rules?

 I think we're a little too "cutsey" to be convincing rednecks! 

My Lair.

It's not complete yet but here's a little glimpse of my room for those of you who don't go to school with me...

My princess bed complete with a total of 14 pillows.
Look how well my frame project turned out!

I'm obviously very girly...

Mi Familia

:) -Lo

A Day Filled With Music Is A Happy Day

And I fully believe that. Which is why today is such a particularly happy day. If you need an iTunes update you've come to the right spot and I'm going to guide you to the 2nd right spot...which is your iTunes account. 


Go download: 

• Lady Antebellum's new album, "Own the Night" 
• Ben Rector's new album, "Something Like This"
• Coldplay's latest single, "Paradise"- or you can go ahead and pre-order their album set to release October 24
• Gavin Degraw's single, "Not Over You" 
• Foster The People's album, "Torches" if you didn't do so when I told you to this summer ;) 

There is something in all of these for literally all music tastes and moods. So go update your library's with these talented TALENTED artists. You won't regret it. 

I hope that whoever you are, wherever you are, you're having a blessed day! 

Happy listening :) 

-Lo. 

p.s speaking of talented artists, photo credit for my background goes out to Katie Haines! What a beautiful photo!!

Would You Rather:

Today, as I sat in my swelteringly hot english class, after taking a pop quiz (seriously who gives a pop quiz over 13 chapters of reading on a Friday?! My teacher does) I was bored out of my MIND. So as my mind was churning on all topics sans Huck Finn, I decided to jot them down. My notepad reads as followed:

Things I Would Rather Be Doing: 

Laying out

eating lunch

going shopping

decorating my room

watching The City

baking cookies

blogging this list

reading my sisters blog

reading random blogs

stalking my friends on facebook

stalking people I don't even know on facebook

driving my car

washing my car

drinking a JD's drink (Dallas shout out)

Sitting, staring at my dog

sitting and staring at anyones dog There are some UGLY dogs out there. 

pin and re-pin on pinterest

ok...make a pinterest

braiding my hair

Yoga

cooking a new pasta dish

curling up in the fetal position and have an extended moment of silence

organizing my shoes

buying shoes

giving the girl next to me a makeover

finding a way to incorporate red lipstick into my every day life

making my hair behave like Lauren Conrad's hair

Laughing at my sister

meeting the Kardashian's

Kissing Prince William...

Happy Friday!

Xx,
Lo.

Preview.

School has started, books have been ordered and the hectic craze of the semester has begun. My schedule this semester is probably the busiest of all the semesters I've experienced at Auburn. On MWF I am on campus from 8am-1pm with New Member meetings on Monday nights at 7. Tuesdays I have a class at 9:30 with nights reserved for the pledge swaps. Wednesday night is chapter/ Wednesday night and then before you know it, it's the weekend. And by the time I take one more breath football season will have started. For those of you who don't know, no I am not a new member, I am the New Member Educator (which is just a fancy name for pledge trainer.) So my semester will be filled with lots and LOTS of sorority activities (consider this fair warning my dear readers...)

...Anyhow...

Tonight after the new member meeting Kacey, my old roommate, and I went for a quick fro-yo date which turned into a walk around Creekside. As we walked we talked about things as simple as the weather, and as heavy as life plans, ambitions and our past. It's amazing how someone can make you feel more relaxed about things you didn't even realize you were stressing over. For me, Kacey is one of those people that makes me want to be a kinder person. She manages to be an old soul, but at the same time a lively spirit. 

As I have moved off campus away from a lot of my friends I have started to realize how important it is to utilize all of my time. Yes my days are busy, but not too busy that I can't spare 30 minutes to catch up with a friend, or grab a quick bite to eat with my new member assistant before our first meeting...

My point in all of this, is that life gets really crazy and it can easily turn into a big ball of stress and misery. But through all of the classes and homework assignments you have to remember to make time for things and people that make you truly happy. Time well spent is never time wasted. So take that coffee break with your friend. Go furniture shopping with your roommate. Those are the events and conversations you'll remember. 

It's the little things you do during the day that make a huge difference when you lay in bed at night.

Phrase.

I don't know about you, but I often find myself caught in a game of cat and mouse. I actually have no idea what that phrase means, I just needed a well known phrase for my intro to transition me... mission accomplished?

Every time I'm at school in Auburn, I think of a million and one things that I would do if I were in Dallas. I think of the things I miss, like seeing the beautiful a skyline, the food I would be eating, the stores I would be spending my money in (cue my bank account saying "what money?") and the people I would be with, gawking at homes I'll never one day be able to afford (divas dream big, remember that.) But then I get here and I find myself saying "what now?" Thinking, "If I were in Auburn I would be (insert activity (most likely raging in one way or another) here)"

Is this what that phrase "the grass is always greener on the other side" means? If so, WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? Does this mean I'm not happy here nor there? Does this mean I'm not happy anywhere? (Dr. Suess anyone?) Or would the phrase and popular Counting Crow lyric "you don't know what you have until it's gone" be more appropriate?

Do I, like Hannah Montana, get the best of both worlds?

I choose to answer yes. I would like to think that it means I lead two different, but very wonderful lives that I love equally, and miss desperately while I'm away. I'm not saying I'm a different person in Dallas or Auburn, I just have my separate friends, living situation etc., etc.

I would imagine if one could live inside of a vacation, this is what it might feel like. Nice for awhile, but eventually, it's time to get back... And I guess as I get older, that "time" starts to creep up. Soon it will be time to decide which aspect is the vacation...

But luckily I have two years ahead of me before I have to come to terms with the ending of that vacation. I plan to make those two years very L O N G.

So cat and mouse game...bring it on ;) 

-Lo. 

Listen

Foster The People have been my summer soundtrack. Perfect driving music. Plus it makes me feel like I'm shopping at Urban Outfitters/ Anthropologie...

I just can't get enough. Take a listen and check out their album "Torches" on iTunes.


Enjoy.

-Lo

Episode.

 My day on Friday should be submitted as material for an episode of Modern Family. It was just "one of those days." I woke up was woken up grumpy and just couldn't shake it off. You know it's bad when you admit yourself that you're being quite the pain...

The day had had it's ups and downs but things were getting better when Lisa and I surprised my dad with cake at his office for a pre-birthday celebration. (this is typical, birthdays make me so happy.) We left Beau in the house, closing all the doors to rooms that we didn't want him in...or so I thought...

We pulled up in the driveway, walked up the steps and as I waited for Lisa to unlock the door, I peered in through the glass. And there it was. The first sign of disaster. A little teddy bear gently sitting beside a chair in our living room. We walked in and another teddy bear was placed by another chair in our living room...both covered in slobber.

As we rounded the corner into the dining room, beans from a used-to-be snowman (3rd grade project) were all. over. the floor. With every room we entered our house was becoming a movie scene...

I paced to my bedroom to find trash, blankets, pillows, feathers (still swirling the air no exaggeration) and the remnants of a loofa strewn about my room. Beau had clearly decided to re-decorate and I was not happy...

After much scolding and a few hours later, Lisa and I suddenly found the situation hilarious. We re-told the story to my dad and were almost crying we were laughing so hard. Something I never thought I would do considering I was almost in tears over the situation at the time.

Much like Modern Family where at the end of each episode is a little lesson, at the end of the day as I sat with my parents and Beau watching a movie, I realized that as much as some of the bodies in this room drove me nuts that day, there was no place I'd rather be on a Friday night than with them. Even Beau.

Beau

Beau: noun /bō/
     1. A boyfriend or male admirer 
     2. A rich, fashionable young man; a dandy
     3. French for 'beautiful'

but most importantly, the name of my new obsession: 

Blog world, meet Beau: 

Beau loves photo shoots and mashed potatoes... 

His red bandana from the 4th of July...

 belly scratches, running in the sprinklers and rolling around in the backyard. 

Quick Story: we put the bandana on him for the 4th to make him look "festive". A couple of days ago we went to take it off of him and he had an absolute fit, biting at it and trying to put it back on himself.  I guess the bandana stays...(we think it makes him feel more permanent.) He is obviously living up to the "fashionable young man" aspect of his name... 

Moral of the story: I can't wait to put antlers on him at Christmas time!!!!

He is adorable and the calmest 17 month-old rescue dog I've ever seen. His biggest fault so far? He loves to snuggle in everyone's bed but his own...what a nightmare DREAM!

Projects

Whenever I come home to Dallas, I always get two things:

1. Spending Happy

2. Crafty

Sometimes, well let's be honest, most of the time, these come hand in hand. I view this as pure coincidence while my bank account considers it pure evil. 

For my birthday last year I got these great, white frames to hang on my walls at school. My original thought was to put photos of family and friends in them and make a frame collage like my sister did. But I have always loved fashion editorials, so what I decided to do was go in search of old magazines to see what I could put together....and VOILA! 

I found some old Harper's Bazaar magazines...

Tore off the covers

And fit them to my frames.

This one might be my favorite!
You can click on each of the photos to enlarge if you're having a hard time seeing them. 

I wanted to find vintage Vogue and frame those, but "vintage" started in about the 90s and let's be real, there aren't many high-fashion, frame-worthy looks from '91...

Another perk of using the Bazaar covers is that the older ones don't have all the junk on them... The "500 summer shoes for less!" or "Lose 10lbs in 7 days!"...no one needs that on their walls. Plus, it gives a much cleaner, more modern look while bringing out the beauty of the photos. 

A tip: go to your nearest Half Price Books or discount book store. 

You'll uncover some great finds for even better prices. Each of these magazines were under $2! (I may be a spender but I sure can save! It's a gift, I know) 

It's been one of my favorite projects so I thought I would share it with you :) My next project is putting a dried flower arrangement in an old Mint Julep cup! 

Things to look forward to...

Xx,

Lo. 

Having.

As my days continue in Auburn I catch myself wanting to be in Dallas so badly. I feel like I haven't been home in ages. (And then I realize that I haven't.) And, as most people do, when I start to harp on one thing, I suddenly can think of 800 things that I don't have or that I'm missing out on...

being home for the Mavs epic win against the Heat

watching the summer premiere of Pretty Little Liars with some of my oldest and dearest friends

a job to keep me occupied

time

money

sleep

"enough" clothes

my family in arms reach

Northpark mall 

home cooked meals

But then out of the blue, something as little as a "good luck on your test" text message or a spontaneous lunch date snaps me back to reality. And I realize that yes, I am missing out on things back home. And yes, my cash flow is more of a drip these days...but for all of the things I'm "missing" I have twice as many blessings ever so present right in front of me. 

So here's to focusing on what I do have: 

bragging rights on campus over the Mavs epic win

watching the summer premiere of Pretty Little Liars with a new crowd 

(but not for long Erin don't worry)

school: to one day get a job to fill my time

time: to spend with my beautiful friends

a closet full of clothes

my Auburn family. cheesy but incomparable. 

my friends' closets when mine is feeling bare

(the best kind of malls!)

a kitchen, to teach myself to make my own home cooked meals

 knowledge: to allow me to realize what I have and what is waiting for me when I get home :) 

How do I ever leave them? You tell me. 

she's fabulous. 

duh. she makes so many appearances on this thing...

she might kill me for this...but add in a LOT of food and turn on the Bravo network...
 this about sums up our relationship. 

Make the time where you are worth your while. Live and LOVE every minute of it. 

This was a cheesy one...but sometimes that's just what we need. 

Xx,

Lo. 

(Bitter) Sweet Summertime.

I feel like I start each post with an apology/ excuse for why I haven't posted in ages. But then I remember that I have like -5 readers and I feel a little less guilty. (Ok a lot less guilty)


As for the title of this post I do have an explanation....I can sum it up in two words. Summer School. 
These are words that should never EVER be paired together. And now begins my rant...


Studying in the summer should be illegal. Not only am I burnt out from the previous two semesters, I am learning what I would normally learn in 4+ months in 1. and BONUS...one of the two classes I'm taking is one of the hardest classes offered in my major-- Human Communication. Though interesting, this class has about a 40% failure rate and getting a C is considered a "great" grade. Music to my GPA's ears. ((not at all)) 


Anyhow, the first week or so I was not a happy camper. My summers are usually spent sleeping, shopping, and starbucks-ing-- Yes I'm a diva I'm fully aware. (see "Things I Enjoy" post for photographical evidence.)--not studying and rising with the sun for my 8 a.m class..


So how have I moved past my funk might you ask? Well...the majority of my dearest friends decided to spend their summer in Auburn as well, and we are all learning to make the best of it. It's hard to balance work and play but I have to remind myself that I'm 20 and it IS summertime...but I'm trying to make my time here a lot less bitter, with a lot more "sweet".

This was taken over  Memorial Day Weekend when we went to St. Augustine, FL.
Lovely place. Lovely ladies. It may be my favorite weekend of my summer in Auburn.  

Something that should have been mentioned a LONG time ago (and truthfully deserves its own post) is my sister's graduation from Texas A&M University. I am beyond proud of her. Not only for successfully graduating, but for doing it in 4 years. I now understand what a task this is and could not be more impressed with her grace throughout the years. The only thing I wish I could change is that I went to visit her more than just that summer. She has amazing friends and leads such a precious life. It's something I might always regret, but never-the-less, she survived. And I can only hope to do so with the same poise and excellence... 

Love you Sister :)   

YOU DID IT! WHOOP WHOOP WHOOP!!

I had to add this photo in here! I love this picture SO much.  The hand on the left is my Dad's. He graduated A&M in '79,
and the right is Katie's, class of 2011. I get jealous (and a little sad) because I know I'll never have one,
but I love that they will always have this to share. 

The summer isn't even over, but I know this will be my favorite weekend.
So much laughter and tears. And a lot of reminders of why I  can't wait to get back to Dallas and hang out with them! 

I'll do my best to keep you updated...but for now, that's the lo_down.

Xx. 

As of Late.

To my few (fab) readers I apologize for the lack of posts. But I am back (by popular demand) and am ready to rumble. 
To get you up to speed, the end of the year was absolute chaos. I would fill you in on my oh so busy life but I'll spare the gory details and just hit the highlights...


1. I passed my journalism class! Now this may sound like a no-brainer to the average joe-schmoe but this was no ordinary journalism class. This is a pre-requisite to my major and an 82 or below is failing. (83 is a C) 


2. I got an A in French!! I have taken Spanish since for like...ever so French was a big fish for me to fry and I did tres bien if I do say so myself! 


3. I successfully initiated my first pledge class! I'm the New Member Educator for my sorority and we took a couple of spring girls and everyone involved survived! (pause for applause)


Now that school is over for a couple of weeks I get to relax and parooze the web and malls. I'm a winter lover at heart, but I can't be wearing my rider boots and pea coat with an exaggerated collar in the August heat. No no no dolls...

So here are a few things I've got my eyes on...

 Wedges. Quite possibly the greatest shoe ever invented.
(aside from the nude pump...and slippers...)
available at Steve Madden
talk about making your leg look a million miles long! AND they are so easy and comfortable to walk in! BONUS

available at anthropologie.com
This little number is listed as a swim suit cover-up, which is actually where I prefer to browse for summer dresses. Not only are they adorable but they can be a bit more affordable!

Also available at Anthropologie
I think this blouse is perfect for spring/summer. Paired with a great pair of white pants (if you dare) or shorts... maybe throw on the Steve Madden wedges... you'll be good to go for just about any occasion

That's all I've got for right now. But don't worry, I'll keep scouring the internet and malls for both of us to better our wardrobes. (You're welcome)

In the mean time...while you're busy making room in your closet for your new summer frocks, stop and take a minute to gather things you don't wear anymore and donate them toward the  Alabama tornado relief efforts. This page should give you information on local drop-off locations.

War Eagle y'all!